The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Chaeban Ice Cream, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada have issued a recall for Chaeban Mediterani Mascarpone Fresh Soft Cheese due to possible contamination with E. coli, a pathogen that can cause serious, and sometimes severe, foodborne illness in certain populations.
Background
No information was provided as to how the contamination with E. coli was discovered.
This has been classified as a Class II recall, meaning that there is some risk that consuming the recalled food item may lead to short-term but non-life threatening health issues.
Distribution
The recalled product was distributed to a retail audience in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba.
Product Details
- Brand – Chaeban
- Product – Mediterani Mascarpone Fresh Soft Cheese
- Size – 250 grams
- UPC Code – 6 28011 03061 0
- Best Before Date – August 1, 2025
- Lot Number – 2025050201
Consumer Action
Consumers should search their homes for the recalled product.
As with all food recalls, consumers are strongly advised to discontinue use of the affected product even if they look or smell safe to eat.
Anyone in possession of the recalled product is requested to not sell, serve, donate, or distribute them.
The affected product should be returned to the place of purchase or thrown away immediately.
Consumers should thoroughly sanitize any surface or utensils that have come into contact with the impacted product.
Consumers with additional questions or concerns can contact the CFIA by phone in Canada or the United States at 800-442-2342 or by email at [email protected]
Health Risks
The recall notice did not say if there have been any reports of injuries or illnesses associated with consumption of the affected product. National E. coli law firm Ron Simon & Associates says that any consumer who has come into contact with the impacted item, and is experiencing sickness or symptoms of food poisoning, should contact their medical provider immediately.
The majority of E. coli strains are not harmful and play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut ecosystem by assisting in breaking down the food, contributing to the production of essential vitamins, and acting as a defense mechanism against more dangerous microorganisms.
However, not all E. coli are benign. Certain strains can cause a range of health issues in humans, including gastrointestinal distress resulting in diarrhea, infections of the urinary tract, respiratory ailments like pneumonia, and even severe systemic infections such as sepsis. Symptoms generally appear two to five days after exposure but can emerge anywhere from one to eight days later. Most people recover within 5-10 days.
Of particular concern, however, is the potential for some patients to develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a severe complication that can lead to kidney failure, neurological damage, and in extreme cases, death. This risk makes early medical intervention crucial for infected individuals.
